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Community Activities

You’re almost as likely to find Dickie V on the streets of his hometown as you would behind the microphone during hoops season! Learn about Dickie V’s latest activities—from a scholarship event with the Boys and Girls Club to a fundraiser in downtown Lakewood Ranch, there is never a dull moment when Dickie V’s around Sarasota!

The Gulf Coast Italian Cultural Society's Man of the Year

altIt is with great pleasure and honor that I received the Gulf Coat Italian Cultural Society's Man of the Year Award. The award was presented to me at Prestancia Country Club in Sarasota, FL.

I am very proud of my Italian background and heritage so receiving this honor was quite a thrill.

I can't thank Mary Amabile Palmer and the kind people at the GCIC for selecting me for this great award.

Read more: The Gulf Coast Italian Cultural Society's Man of the Year

Throwing Out the First Pitch at Rays Baseball Game

What a thrill I had at the Rays/Red Sox Championship Series Game 2. The Rays executives asked me to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Tropicana Field. I brought my three grandsons on the mound with me. It was certainly a moment we will all remember. The Trop was electric and filled to capacity to watch the Rays beat the Sox in an epic game 2 lasting 5 1/2 hours. Luckily, I made my throw to the catcher at home plate - I think it actually may have been a strike!!!

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Lakewood Ranch Digital Village Partners with Broken Egg

altI had a fun time mingling with the crowd at the Broken Egg Restaurant in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

The Broken Egg partnered with the Digital Village of Lakewood Ranch to host an evening in which all the proceeds would benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Over 100 people gathered at the restaurant and enjoyed food/drinks. I also shared some words with the people on why giving to the V Foundation is such an important mission in my life.

I had my merchandise available at the event for autographing, and all the proceeds benefited the V Foundation. A big thanks to Digital Village and Broken Egg for hosting such a terrific event and raising funds and awareness for the V Foundation.

Read more: Lakewood Ranch Digital Village Partners with Broken Egg

Sarasota Community Hall of Fame Archive Honoree

altI did an extensive interview today as part of my selection as one of Sarasota Community Hall of Fame Archive Honorees.

They did a "This Is Your Life" interview that will be shown as a video set to music and presented at the event on April 15th at Michael's on East.

I am proud to be among the honorees selected and look forward to the event in April.

All-Star Children's Foundation

altTO HEAR THE PSA I RECORDED FOR THE ALL-STAR CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION CLICK HERE.

Today I had the pleasure of taping a promotional piece for my good friend, Graci McGillicuddy.

Graci heads up a wonderful non-profit organization, The All-Star Children's Foundation. She is one of the most generous people I know and her Foundation does amazing work preventing child abuse in our community.

Bill Wagy from SNN 6 News and Kristi Bratzke from the Foundation came to my house to shoot the piece. It was a lot of fun and most importantly, will help a terrific cause.

Keep up the great work Graci and everyone at the All-Star Children's Foundation!

Read more: All-Star Children's Foundation

Rays Baseball Camp

altI had the pleasure of watching my grandsons, Jake and Connor, participate in the Tampa Bay Rays baseball camp. The Rays are the only major league team that allows its campers to utilize its major league field and all its facilities (batting cages, etc.).

Jake and Connor had such a thrill playing on the big league field - catching fly balls in the same outfield as BJ Upton and Carl Crawford.

The camp was a week long and ran from 9 am -12 pm. The coaches were outstanding and taught the kids all the basic fundamentals of the game.

Read more: Rays Baseball Camp

Tampa Bay Rays

altEveryone is abuzz over the success that the Tampa Bay Rays have been having this season. We are at the halfway point of the season and the Rays are in FIRST place!

I have been a loyal season ticket holder from the day the team was brought to the Tampa area. I love supporting them and I am thrilled to see them all playing so well and finally getting the attention and respect they deserve.

I had a terrific time going on the field before the Red Sox game and talking with thrid base sensation, Evan Longoria. What a terrific kid!

Read more: Tampa Bay Rays

Boys and Girls Clubs Scholarships

altFor the 11th year in a row, my wife and I provided scholarship funds for five youngsters entering college from the Sarasota County Boys and Girls Clubs. These funds are to assist with their education, books, etc. The youngsters are selected by Club President, Mack Reid and his staff.

I am so proud to be a supporter of this great organization and to be able to lend a little help to five youngsters each year as they prepare for a college education.

Mack does a tremendous job at the Club, as does Roy McBean. My wife and I love being a small part of it!

This year's scholarship recipients are:

Read more: Boys and Girls Clubs Scholarships

Sarasota Christian Basketball Camp

altI made a trip down the street with my 5 year old grandsons, Connor and Jake, to Sarasota Christian Basketball camp.

The camp is a week long and is headed by varsity boys high school coach, Phil Helmuth.

The camp is for youngsters ages 7-14. Phil and his staff do a tremendous job putting the kids through various drills and teaching them some of the basic fundamentals of the game.

Read more: Sarasota Christian Basketball Camp

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